Portable data collection device

ABSTRACT

A portable data collection device is provided for diagnostic image and data collection at a remote location. The device is implemented as an otoscope including a speculum and light source for illumination of the ear canal. A digital camera element collects the reflected images and provides the images to a processor. The processor processes the images using pattern matching techniques and displays and/or stores suitable images. The images are transferred to a base station for subsequent transmission to a remote server or computer, where an authorized party may access and examine the images. An authorization or prescription from the remote server or computer may be required to enable data collection and transmission by the otoscope.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/105,696, filed on Oct. 26, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a portable datacollection device and, more particularly, relates to a portable digitalotoscopic camera for capturing, processing, displaying, storing and/orexporting images of a subject eardrum.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Broadly speaking, the present invention provides a datacollection device for remote collection of diagnostic and/or image data.The device includes a memory and processor for storing and processingthe collected data; a user interface to permit user interaction with thedevice; and a communication port for exchange of data with an externalcomputer or server. The device is used by an appropriate party,typically a patient, to collect diagnostic and/or image data for laterexamination. Hence, a patient can collect data at a leisurely pace andin familiar, comfortable surroundings. Preferably, the device isimplemented as a handheld otoscope with a self-contained digital camera.

[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, a remote datacollection device is in communication with a central server. The datacollection device comprises an image sensor for capturing diagnosticimages, and a processor for processing the captured images. The devicefurther comprises a memory for storing the captured images, acommunications port for transmitting the captured images to the centralserver and for receiving instructions from the central server, and auser interface to facilitate use of the data collection device by aremote party.

[0005] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system forremote data collection is provided. The system comprises a remote,portable otoscope having a controllable light source for illuminating atarget area of an ear canal and generating reflected images. A digitalcamera element captures the reflected images for processing and storagein a memory. A first communications port is provided for transmittingthe processed images and receiving instructions. The system alsocomprises a base unit having a second communications port for receivingimages from the otoscope and for transmitting instructions to theotoscope. A central server is in communication with the base unit andreceiving images from the base unit and transmits instructions to thebase unit. An authorized, prescribing party provides authorizations andprescriptions to the server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present invention is described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements, and

[0007]FIG. 1 is a diagram of one sample environment within which a datacollection device according to the present invention may be used.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a data collection device according tothe present invention.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a handheld otoscopeaccording to the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the otoscope of FIG. 3.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the otoscope of FIG. 3.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating method steps for patternmatching and image analysis according to the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 7 is a diagram of a format for storing image and ID recordsaccording to the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a base unit according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] 1. Example Environment

[0016] Before describing the data collection device of the presentinvention in detail, an example environment within which the datacollection device may operate will be described. One such environment isa prescription-controlled data collection system as disclosed in U.S.patent application serial Ser. No. 09/___,___, filed on even dateherewith and claiming the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/105,692.

[0017] A prescription controlled data collection system 100 isillustrated in FIG. 1. System 100 is just one environment that the datacollection device of the present invention may be deployed in; thedevice of the present invention could also be utilized withinalternative environments. System 100 comprises a prescribing party 104,a communications medium 140, a server 110 and a collecting party 122having a base unit 300 and a data collection device 200. Device 200 andbase unit 300 are the subjects of the present application and will bedescribed in more detail below.

[0018] In overview, prescribing party 104 writes a prescription 112 thatauthorizes a collecting party 122 to collect data and transfer the datato a central server 110. The status of the prescription and datacollected (block 116) are available to a prescribing party 104 havingaccess to server 110. The prescription, authorization, status and datainformation (indicated by lines 108, 120, 132 and 134 respectively) isexchanged via any suitable data communications medium 140. Medium 140may comprise any suitable data communications medium including, but notlimited to, a wired network, a wireless RF network, a fiber opticnetwork, telephone lines, the Internet or combinations of these mediums.

[0019] System 100 improves the efficiency of medical diagnosis andfollow-up by allowing a patient to perform diagnostic and follow-up datacollection at a remote location. In this example, prescribing party 104is a doctor or other health service provider having access to centralserver 110. As indicated by block 102, a plurality of prescribingparties (doctors) 104 . . . 106 may have access to server 110.

[0020] Server 110 may be a computer connected to one or morecommunications media, such as communication medium 140. Server 110includes appropriate software that allows transfer of data to and fromserver 110 from remotely located devices and display terminals.Additionally, server 110 will include appropriate software for handlingthe protocols for prescribing the use of various remote diagnosticdevices and for displaying the status of prescriptions and prescriptiondata. In one implementation, server 110 may be a “web server” withassociated standard communications protocols for communicating over theInternet.

[0021] A doctor 104 having access to server 110 prescribes a particulardiagnostic procedure to a patient (collecting party) 122 in a remotelocation by communicating a prescription (indicated by line 108) to acentral server 110 over a communications medium 140. In one example, theprescription authorizes the use of an appropriate diagnostic or datacollection device 200 that is in the possession of patient 122.

[0022] The prescription process may include registration of device 200(whose use by the patient is authorized) with server 110. Registrationof device 200 is the process by which server 110 associates device 200with the doctor or prescribing party 104. In one example, a uniquedevice ID number or code identifies device 200 to server 110. Thisnumber may be communicated by the prescribing party to the server or,alternatively, assigned by the server to the device. The doctor/deviceassociation may be created in server 110 in any suitable fashion. In anexample where communication medium 140 is the Internet, doctor 104 mayeffect registration of device 200 by completing a web form that istransmitted via the Internet to server 110. In another example wheremedium 140 takes the form of a telephone network, doctor 104 may effectregistration of device 200 by calling a telephone service that promptsthe doctor to press appropriate touch-tone buttons on a telephone. In afurther example, doctor 104 may effect registration by calling orvisiting a service whose personnel have access to server 110.

[0023] In addition to registration of device 200, the prescriptionprocess may also include identification of the doctor 104 to server 110and identification of the specific data to be collected by the patient.Again, this may be accomplished through use of a web page, a telephoneservice, or through any other appropriate means. Server 110 may assigneach prescription a unique prescription ID number or code. This numberwill be stored on server 110 (described below), and may also be providedto the prescribing party for future reference.

[0024] A particular type or level of authorization may also designate aprescription. In one example, there are two types of prescriptions: adevice use prescription and a data transfer prescription. A device useprescription requires device 200 to receive prescription 112 from server110 before it can function to collect data for the prescription. A datatransfer prescription, conversely, authorizes transfer of data fromdevice 200 to server 110. Hence, once device 200 has been used tocollect data (with or without a device use prescription), transfer ofthe collected data will be blocked unless server 110 has stored a datatransfer prescription associated with device 200.

[0025] As indicated in FIG. 1, a plurality of prescriptions 112 . . .114 may be stored on server 110. Server 110 may store a variety ofinformation in connection with each prescription. As described above,server 110 will typically assign a prescription ID number or code toeach prescription. Where prescription types are used, the prescriptiontype (i.e. device use, data transfer, or other type) will also be notedand stored. The identity (name) of the prescribing party (doctor, healthservice provider, or other authorized personnel) will typically bestored, as will the name of the patient associated with theprescription. Incident information, such as the health conditionprompting the prescription (i.e., “Tim's right eardrum” or “Ellen'sheart monitor”) may also be stored. Finally, the prescription willinclude the date of the prescription; and the expiration date (if any)of the prescription. The expiration date of the prescription is the dateafter which the prescription no longer authorizes the use of device 200or the transfer of data.

[0026] As is also indicated in FIG. 1, server 110 may store status anddata information 116 . . . 118 associated with each prescription 112 . .. 114. The status information may be information such as whether device200 has been activated (yes/no), or whether data has been transferred(yes/no). The data is the information collected by device 200. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to, otoscopic images, heart monitorsignals, breathing rhythm data, and so on.

[0027] At some time before or after prescribing party 104 communicatesprescription 112 to server 110, the patient (collecting party 122)receives an appropriate diagnostic or data collection device 200 andbase unit 300 and is instructed in their use. One suitable device, whichis the subject of the present invention, is a digital otoscope and willbe described in detail below. Other devices that may be adapted inaccordance with the present invention to operate within system 100include (but are not limited to) rhinoscopes, laryngoscopes,ophthalmoscopes, cameras for dermatology, heart monitors, blood pressuremonitors, oxygen saturation monitors, and audio monitors.

[0028] It should be noted that there are many industries andenvironments amenable to use of the data collection device describedherein. The prescription-controlled data collection environmentdiscussed above is exemplary only and does not limit the subjectinvention in any way.

[0029] 2. Preferred Embodiments of a Data Collection Device

[0030] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate a data collection device 200, implemented asa portable otoscope, according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is ablock diagram overview of device 200, and FIGS. 3-5 illustrate thedevice in more detail. Broadly speaking, device 200 comprises ameasurement apparatus for collecting diagnostic and/or image data (thespeculum and camera); a memory and processor for storing and processingthe collected data; a user interface to permit user interaction withdevice 200; and a communication port for exchange of data.

[0031] Device 200 is used by an appropriate party, typically a patient,to collect diagnostic and/or image data for later examination. Hence, apatient can collect data at a leisurely pace and in familiar,comfortable surroundings. In the embodiment illustrated and describedherein, device 200 is implemented as a handheld otoscope with aself-contained digital camera. Device 200, however, could be embodied inany data collection device capable of modification for operation withina subject environment as taught herein.

[0032] Otoscope 200 comprises a head portion 207 and an elongated gripportion 209. It includes a speculum 202, a lens system 204, a digitalcamera element 206, a processor 208 and memory 210, a user interface212, and a communication port 214. Otoscope 200 is used by a patient toperform a self-examination of an ear canal. The patient, at his or herown pace, may perform the examination at a remote location such as thepatient's home.

[0033] User interface 212 may serve a variety of functions, depending onthe particular implementation of device 200. Preferably, interface 212comprises a display or viewing screen 220 for displaying captured imagesand data, as well as control or input buttons or dials 216, 218. Displayscreen 220 is integral to otoscope 200 and forms a part of userinterface 212. It may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD)or as any other appropriate display means. The display screen and inputbuttons are conveniently positioned, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, to allow theuser to simultaneously perform an exam, view the results, and make inputselections as necessary. User interface may also comprise audio outputmeans such as a speaker and additional visual output means such as LEDsto alert or signal the user as is necessary. User interface 212 may usea menu-driven control system to facilitate user interaction. Amicrophone may also be provided for capture of voice records to beappended to the collected data. Depending on the type of device involvedand its complexity, many other types and combinations of interfacefeatures are possible.

[0034] Speculum 202 has an elongated, conical shape conducive toinsertion into and examination of a patient's ear canal. This shape iswell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, speculum 202may be constructed of a soft material and preferably has a soft,disposable outer cover (not shown). A light source 205 mounted within oradjacent speculum 202 emits light into a central bore 201 extendingthrough speculum 202. The light emitted by light source 205 is focusedby a lens assembly 204 extending through bore 201 and exits the open endof speculum 202 to illuminate the ear canal or a target area of the earcanal. Hence, light source 205 should be positioned to accurately andefficiently convey light through bore 201 and assembly 204. To this end,light source 205 may be implemented as a single piece, conical lightpipe (as is shown in FIG. 3), or as a light fiber extending throughspeculum 202 and possibly integrated with lens assembly 204. Alternativelight sources could also be used.

[0035] Light source 205 may comprise multiple and individuallycontrolled light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or lightbulbs. The multiple light sources may emit light within the same ordifferent frequency ranges. Where LEDs are employed, color control (i.e.red, green, blue, ultra-violet, intra-red, etc.) of the light emittedcan be obtained by using light intensity modulation and/or multiplecolored sources. As will be described below, the digital camera elementmay respond to a wide range of frequencies. Light source 205 may alsoemploy a pulsed operation in order to control light intensity, exposureand to provide energy savings.

[0036] Lens assembly 204 extends through and is integrated into speculum202. The physical configuration of a suitable lens assembly will befamiliar to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may comprisemultiple lenses and possible a light fiber assembly (see discussionabove). Lens assembly 204 is preferably removable and replaceable toprovide flexibility for various applications. If device 200 weremodified for dental applications, for example, it may include an angledextension.

[0037] Light emitted by light source 205 exits speculum 202, strikes thetarget area (ear canal), and is reflected back into speculum 202. Lensassembly 204 focuses the reflected light onto an image sensor 206. In apreferred implementation, image sensor 206 is a digital camera elementemploying still frame camera technology. Digital camera element 206captures and records the image in digital form. Preferably, digitalcamera element 206 can respond to a wide range of frequencies,facilitating its use in conjunction with a multiple frequency lightsource.

[0038] Suitable digital camera elements are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art and include, without limitation, CCDs andActive Pixel arrays. In one implementation, the image captured byelement 606 comprises a pixel array having a minimum resolution of100×100 pixels, a preferable resolution of 400×600 pixels and a mostpreferable resolution of 1000×1000 pixels. The pixels have valuesrepresenting luminance and possibly color information in digital form,and may also represent frequency bands outside of the visible spectrumof light (infra-red and ultra-violet, for example).

[0039] Processor 208 and memory 210 (FIG. 2) reside on control board 222(FIG. 3). The digital images captured and recorded by digital cameraelement 206 are provided to processor 208. Processor 208 is preferablycapable of basic processing of multiple images per second. Suchprocessors are commercially available and well known to those ofordinary skill in the art. Depending on the selected mode of operation(described below), the images are displayed on display screen 220 and/orlocally stored in memory 210. Memory 210 may be implemented as a RAM orany other appropriate electronic storage means.

[0040] Otoscope 200 has several modes of operation. In one mode ofoperation, referred to as, a still frame is captured, updated anddisplayed on screen 220 multiple times per second to allow the user totarget the desired object or feature. Preferably, the still frame isupdated in the range of 15 to 30 times per second. Upon pressing anappropriate control button 216 or 218, the user captures the currentlydisplayed image. The user may then elect either to save the image tomemory 210 or to dispose of the image.

[0041] In an alternate mode of operation, processor 208 capturesmultiple images and automatically selects the best image. In this mode,which the user enters by pressing an appropriate button or making anappropriate menu selection, multiple frames are captured and analyzed byprocessor 208. Processor 208 selects the best image for viewing, basedon parameters such as alignment and focus, and displays the image onscreen 220. Processor 208 may even target optimal images, and havecontrol over camera functions such as zooming and panning to obtain theimage. The user may elect to save the displayed optimal image to memory210 or to dispose of the image. This mode is advantageous in that itsolves the problem encountered by doctors and care practitioners ofrequiring a patient to hold still during an ear exam. Since digitalcamera element 206 can capture 15-30 high quality digital images persecond, the impact of patient movement on image quality is minimized.Moreover, the practitioner can then carefully analyze the high qualityimage at his leisure without access to the patient.

[0042] In other modes of operation, the user may select framespreviously stored in memory 210 for viewing. The user may also elect todelete a single stored frame or all stored frames. Finally, as will beexplained in more detail below, the user may elect to export storedimages to a remote site such as a base station, host PC or website.

[0043] Processor 208 preferably employs pattern matching and imageanalysis techniques to automatically identify suitable images from aseries of images captured over a timeframe as otoscope 200 is movedaround within the patient's ear. An image is considered suitable when amajority of prescribed image landmarks or characteristics are matched,indicating the presence of an eardrum, for example. Hence, processor 208may employ image analysis to determine surface shapes, such asconcavity, convexity and so on. When an image is recognized as optimal,the user may be audibly or visually alerted. Pattern matchingmethodologies that may be used include, without limitation,template-based matching, neural network systems and vector analysis.

[0044] In addition to the methodologies described above, pneumaticmeasurements may be taken to determine an object's movement. An air pathmay be provided to permit pneumatic operation in conjunction with theimage capturing process. Hence, a series of images can be captured formanual review or automated analysis and the target object's movement inresponse to a blast of air can be determined. Visible, infrared and/orultraviolet illumination, sensing and processing may also assist inobtaining data such as temperature measurements, fluid identificationand enhanced image features.

[0045] One implementation of a process for pattern matching and imageanalysis is depicted in FIG. 6. In step 250, data collection with device200 is initiated. Typically, this will occur when the user presses anappropriate button 216, 218 on device 200 or makes an appropriate menuselection. In step 252, digital camera element 206 captures an image.The captured image is compared with patterns or templates stored inmemory 210 in step 254. At decision node 256, if the image is not a goodmatch for an eardrum, the method returns to step 252 and capturesadditional images. If the image is a good match, at step 258, the useris alerted. The alert may be in the form of a beep, a flashing LED, orany other prominent user alert. The image may then be viewed on display220 and/or transferred to an external device (step 260).

[0046] In one implementation, the images or patterns used by processor208 for pattern matching are pre-recorded and stored on an externalserver or web page. The user may obtain the images by connecting to theInternet and manually downloading the appropriate images viacommunications port 214. Alternatively, when device 200 is connected tobase station 300, the system may automatically upload the appropriateimages. This method is advantageous in that the user is not required tohave particular knowledge regarding the appropriate images.

[0047] As described above, the captured images and/or data are stored asrecords in memory 210. One possible format for storing image records 270is depicted in FIG. 7. In addition to images, additional data such asrecorded weights from a scale, heart monitor readings, and so on may bestored in records 270. Other information such as a patient ID, deviceID, prescription ID and information, etc. may be appended to imagerecords 270. This other information is stored in the form of anidentification record 272 appended to or associated with each imagerecord 270. Hence, memory 210 contains a set of image records 270associated with a set of ID records 272. Once stored in this manner, theimage and ID records may be retrieved, transmitted and/or archived atany time convenient to the patient and/or doctor. This is especiallysignificant in medical settings, as the need for many office visits iseliminated. Moreover, ID records 272 permit efficient tracking of thepatient's identity, the device used, the prescribing party andprescription, and so on.

[0048] Alternatively, identifying information such as names, numbers orbar codes, identifying the patient and the particular image, can beoverlaid onto the image record and imbedded in a digital file. Thisreduces the need for an appended ID record and further simplifies recordkeeping.

[0049] Device 200 also includes a communications port 214 (FIG. 2).Communications port 214 may receive information from an external deviceand may transmit collected images and data to an external device foranalysis and storage at a remote location. Typically, communicationsport 214 comprises a standard short-range interface and softwareprotocol for communication with base unit 300. Suitable short-range datacommunications including direct cable, contact connectors, infraredwireless, RF wireless, and so on. In the illustrated embodiment (FIG.3), communications port 214 takes the form of external electricalconnectors. The connectors interface to and permit communication with abase unit 300, which will be described below. Alternatively, wired orwireless connections directly to an external website, server or host PCmay be provided.

[0050] Finally, device 200 includes a power source 224 (accessed by adoor 226) for providing power to all components within device 200. Powersource 224 is typically implemented as a rechargeable battery. Where abattery is utilized, electrical connectors 214 may also be used inconjunction with base unit 300 to recharge the battery.

[0051] A base unit 300 for use with device 200 is depicted in FIG. 8.Base unit 300 comprises cradles 302 and 304 for receiving and holding,respectively, the head and grip portions 207 and 209 of otoscope 200when it is not in use. Grip cradle portion 304 includes electricalcontacts 306 that contact electrical contacts 214 of otoscope 200 whenplaced in base unit 300. Contacts 306 may be used to recharge otoscopebattery 224, as well as to exchange information with otoscope 200.Alternatively, base unit 300 could have an infrared transceiver or otherappropriate communications interface for short-range communication withotoscope 200.

[0052] Preferably, base unit 300 comprises additional universalcommunications ports to permit a wide range of communications withexternal devices, particularly with devices of the types used inhealthcare settings. An infrared or wireless transceiver 308 may beprovided to permit communications with an external server, computer,website or with device 200. A computer jack or interface 310 may beprovided for wired communication with an external host PC or server.Telephone jack or interface 312 may be provided to permit connection tothe Internet or an external telephone. In this regard, base unit 300 maycomprise an integrated modem incorporating Internet protocols that isconnected to interface 312. Power jack or interface 314 permitsconnection to an appropriate power source.

[0053] Base unit 300 also comprises a user interface. The user interfacemay have some or all of the features as described with reference todevice 300. In the illustrated embodiment, a “send” button 316 isprovided to initiate transmission of collected data to an externaldevice, and LED indicators 318 are provided for displaying status and/oralerting or signaling the user. A storage compartment 320 facilitatesphysical storage of components and accessories such as speculum coversand batteries.

[0054] Though not illustrated, base unit 300 may also comprise a localprocessor and memory for storage and processing of image data receivedfrom otoscope 200 and authorization or instruction data received from anexternal device or computer.

[0055] Once images and data have been collected with device 200, device200 may be placed in base station 300. Utilizing communications port214, image records may be downloaded to from device 200 to base station300 for later export to an external website, server or host PC. In theillustrated embodiment, the downloading would occur via the contactingelectrical connectors. At the prompt of the user, the image recordswould be transmitted to an external website, server or host computer viathe appropriate communications port 308, 310 or 312. The data may beencoded to ensure secure transmission. Alternatively, the image recordsmay be transmitted directly to an external storage site via base unit300 without intervening storage in base unit 300. Additionally, imagesfor pattern matching and recognition may be selected and imported froman external device to base unit 300 via the appropriate communicationsport 308-312, and from base unit 300 to device 200 via communicationsport 214.

[0056] In one implementation within a system such as system 100 of FIG.1, an appropriate authorization or prescription from server 110 isrequired for data collection and transmission with device 200. In thisimplementation, the patient first connects base unit 300 as isappropriate. This may include, for example, plugging a power line and atelephone line into jacks 310, 312. Next, device 200 is appropriatelyconnected to base unit 300, and the user makes an appropriate selectionto initiate communication with server 110. Base unit 300 thencommunicates with the server 110 via communications medium 140 (asindicated by line 132 of FIG. 1). The communications could, for example,involve sending a device ID. Having received the device ID number,server 110 verifies that the device has been registered, retrieves anypending prescriptions 112 . . . 114, and passes the prescriptions ontobase unit 300 via communications medium 140 (line 120).

[0057] Base unit 300 transfers the prescription instructions to device200, which can then collect the required images and/or data. The imagesand data are collected, processed and stored in device 200 as describedabove. The collected images and/or data may be transferred from device200 to base unit 300 by appropriate user action or, with directcontacts, by placing the device in the base unit. When directed, eitherby the system or the user, base unit 300 transfers the data to server110 via an appropriate communications port.

[0058] Various embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described herein. It should be understood, however, thatthese embodiments are presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention is notlimited by the embodiments described herein, but is defined by thefollowing claims and their equivalents.

1. A remote data collection device in communication with a centralserver, the data collection device comprising: an image sensor forcapturing diagnostic images; a processor for processing the capturedimages; a memory for storing the captured images; and a communicationsport for transmitting the captured images to the central server and forreceiving instructions from the central server; and a user interface tofacilitate use of the data collection device by a remote party.
 2. Adevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is a portable otoscopecomprising a speculum and a controllable light source for illuminating atarget area of an ear canal and providing reflected images to the imagesensor.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the light sourcecomprises a conical light pipe.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 2,wherein the light source comprises light fibers extending through thespeculum.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 2, and further comprising alens assembly disposed within the speculum for focusing light on thetarget area and for focusing the reflected light onto the image sensor.6. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image sensor is a digitalcamera element.
 7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the digitalcamera element responds to a wide range of frequencies, and wherein thelight source comprises individually controllable light sources that emitlight in distinct frequency ranges.
 8. A device as claimed in claim 6,wherein the processor performs pattern matching by comparing imagesobtained by the digital camera element with pre-recorded eardrum images.9. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the communications portcomprises electrical contacts configured for contact with matingcontacts of an external device.
 10. A device as claimed in claim 6,wherein the communications port comprises an infrared or wirelesscommunications interface.
 11. A device as claimed in claim 6, whereinthe user interface comprises buttons or keys for user input and adisplay screen for displaying images or collected data.
 12. A device asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the user interface further comprises audiooutput and input means, and LEDs for visual output.
 13. A device asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the external device is a base unitconfigured to receive and communicate with the device, and wherein thebase unit transmits images from the data collection device to thecentral server, and transmits instructions from the central server tothe data collection device.
 14. A system for remote data collectioncomprising: a remote, portable otoscope comprising a controllable lightsource for illuminating a target area of an ear canal and generatingreflected images, a digital camera element for capturing the reflectedimages, a processor for processing the reflected images, a memory forstoring the processed images, and a first communications port fortransmitting the processed images and receiving data from an externalsource; a base unit having a second communications port for receivingimages from the otoscope and for transmitting instructions to theotoscope; and a central server in communication with the base unit forreceiving images from the base unit and transmitting instructions to thebase unit, and for receiving data collection instructions from anauthorized, prescribing party.